Proverbs 14:2 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death”, and the same words are repeated in 16:25. The truth is that the fallen nature of man drives him through darkness, and by deception makes him think he is on the right way, while all the time his path is leading to death. Recall the historical account of the fall into this sinful state in Genesis three, where in verse 13 the woman said, “The serpent” (symbolic of Satan and sin) “deceived me, and I ate.” The way of darkness has a way of deception to those walking in it, causing them to think they are right, having a “high” time, or that they will get by; but its fruit is always bitter, and its end is always darkness and death! But God has provided a better way. In Proverbs 4:18 we are told, “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” And the Psalmist in 16:11 says to God, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” This better way does not offer just a momentary thrill or a “high” that leaves you down and offers only death at its end; but God’s better way offers everlasting, abiding, joy and pleasure in abundant life. “As for God, His way is perfect;” Psalm 18:30, and not only is His way perfect but verse 32 goes on to say, “It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.” All God asks of us is that we place ourselves in Him “through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24), who alone is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Today, will you in the words of Psalm 37:5, “Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.” He will fulfill all those deep longings of your inner being, those inner cries that you have sought to satisfy with the temporary pleasures of the flesh and the world that leave you empty; you can only find real satisfaction by His presence leading to “the perfect day”…this is His better way.

The (Better) Way of the Just

-By Rose Hill

The way of the just is as a shining light,

For with God’s help we do what is right.

And His righteousness will make a way,

For Him to come to us today.

Yes, if we live the way we should,

The Lord will give us what is good.

And the light that shines on our path today,

Will get brighter and clearer along the way.

Until it reaches its full strength and glory,

And in heaven we tell the wondrous story.

Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Inc. used by permission.